He's been actively seeking a job for 8 months. Believe it or not, his education is working against him. He is brilliant and he majored in Philosophy. No employer is looking for that degree, so he has been applying for even entry -level jobs. Those employers ask "Whta's a guy with your education doing applying for a job like this?" And they don't hire him. I'm so heart-broken and he is even more so. He's spending a lot of time in bed in between job interviews. Our kids miss their Dad... I work full time and we homeschool our 3 kids. What can I do?
2007-09-26 16:09:20 · 7 answers · asked by Baloneyus_Monk 7 in Health ➔ Mental Health
We went through a similar thing about a year ago and the sad truth is it isn't so much what you know as it is who you know. As humbling as it might seem, let everyone know that you are looking for a job. It would seem that with a Philosophy degree he would at least be qualified to teach high school. Sometimes you have to get your foot in the door to even be noticed. That may require him to take a long term sub position , or something else not in his field. Subs with a college degree make $82.00 a day here and although it won't have you rolling in money it would at a minimum preserve his self esteem. Many people don't work in the field in which they have been classically trained. He may find that certification in another area is the way to go. It's not where you are coming from that is important. It is where you're going.
2007-09-26 16:25:14 · answer #1 · answered by Mama Mia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like his 'verge' is more like full-blown.
Well, there are things you can definitely do. As he's a male, he will not respond well to counseling, so I wouldn't advise trying that just yet. You can talk with him, just having someone to listen and encourage him will do more than you know. Also, try to help him out. As basic as it is, post a resume on Monster.com, look for a head hunter. Maybe give some universities a call, and see what they have to say about possible jobs for a philosophy major.
If not an opportunity in a university, they may have some ideas about where he could apply.
http://www.las.iastate.edu/careerservices/majors/html/philosophy.htm
Check out this website. It should help.
Good luck!
2007-09-26 16:22:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
He should consider re-education, in a different field, and/or just mentioning high school, or saying he didn't do anywhere near as well as he would have liked, in college, when applying for jobs. Employers don't want overqualified people, because they expect them to be moving on, soon, to something better, when they want someone long term. See depression treatments, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on page 2. Has he tried temping? He should also consider volunteering, even from home, as advised on pages 2, and 9. Read page 38.
2007-09-26 17:05:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ego and self-esteem go get closely tied in with what you can produce. Reassure him that you are behind him in getting the right job (not wasting his talents). But also come up with plan B - what to do when money issues get urgent.
I've been looking for a specific job for a month. I thought I'd have it by now. It's looking like it'll take a few months.
I just started taking an antidepressant and that's because I don't know how long I can take this. It's hard.
2007-09-26 16:29:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is blowing the interviews...he is not willing to accept an entry level job.
I went two years unemployed playing that game..."I'm educated and really above this, but I want the job" attitude. Even if you don't overtly express it, it shows during an interview.
I finally got a job when I gave up on that attitude and really "wanted" the job, as meager as it was.
...and I did it better than everyone else and regained my self-respect.
This is a time for lots of hugs and kisses...family is much more important than bills and money.
2007-09-26 16:35:34 · answer #5 · answered by I am, I said 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry. That is alot to take. Remind him that it is not his fault. What is he good at and just remind him of what a wonder father and husband he is. I know what you mean about employers. It pisses me off they way they operate. I'll say a prayer for you all. Let him know just how important he is and that you accept him. Believe me that will make a world of difference.
2007-09-26 16:15:55 · answer #6 · answered by msgolf 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He might have to give himself a job contract or job shop or even start his own consulting firm thats what I did no one would hire me either.
2007-09-26 16:13:22 · answer #7 · answered by theroadwetake 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋